Recognize that an argument is a process where two (or more) people try to prove that someone is wrong. Thus, arguments seldom exhibit kindness.

Everyone thinks they are right.

12) Let the Other Person Be the Star

For example, let them be special, knowledgeable, and important during your conversation.

Let them teach you things – even if you already know them.

Let them tell their story – even if you have a better one.

And let them express opinions – even if you disagree.

Just listen and accept what they’re saying.

If you disagree with something that you heard, accept that the other person had the courage to express their views. Now you know what they consider to be important.

If you care to, ask gentle questions that explore how they obtained their opinions or how they would apply their ideas.

And if necessary, you can: a) Thank them for telling you something interesting, and b) State that you have a different view. Then pause. If this seems to take the conversation into an argument, you may want to change the topic.

People admire those who help them succeed.

13) Ask Questions

Help others feel important and special by asking questions.

Ask them how they made critical choices, what inspires them, and how they lived through important parts of their lives.

Show Kindness on the Road

Recognize that everyone is driving as fast as they want to go. So give others the freedom to do what they want.

Driving carefully puts you in control of your safety.

14) Let Others Go By

Let people merge into your lane.

It’s safer for both of you.

Kindness could save a life.

15) Allow Room

Stay a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Recognize that following too close distracts (and even scares) the driver ahead of you. Thus driving too close could cause them to have an accident.

Following too close also scares your passengers.

And following too close is stressful for you.

So be kind to everyone (other drivers, your passengers, and yourself) by allowing room between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

You can show kindness anywhere, even with strangers that you will never meet.

Least Sandpipers and Western Sandpipers, Their Flight Is an Example of a Cooperative Partnership

Build Relationships with Kindness

Your relationships determine the quality of your life.

When people like you, they are more willing to help you.

16) Offer Praise

Make it a habit of offering praise.

Praise inspires people to earn more praise. It expands creativity. It promotes courage.

Recognize that when you talk about others, you are describing yourself.

You praise yourself when you praise others.

17) Be Grateful

Thank people for everything in every way possible.

This even includes thanking them for ordinary things, such as:

– Cooking a meal

– Mowing the lawn

– Washing dishes

And so on.

Besides saying “Thank you,” you can also write thank you notes. Or send a thank you e-mail.

Great leaders help others earn gratitude.

18) Accept Others

We need to give others the freedom to be who they want to be and to live the way they want to live.

So accept others as they are.

Recognize that everyone has different interests, priorities, and responsibilities.

And recognize that there is always more to know about someone else’s life story.

Acceptance builds relationships.

19) Respect People’s Names

A person’s name is more than a word. It’s their core identity.

So use people’s names appropriately and respectfully.

Thus, never assign nick names, mispronounce names, or make jokes about people’s names.

A person’s name is as important as their face.

Make Kindness a Way of Life

You can practice kindness everywhere you go, even with strangers.

Here are some possibilities.

20) Smile

A smile creates a friendly environment.

And friendly environments help people feel safer. When people feel safe, they become more cooperative, more creative, and more productive.

A smile makes you more attractive.

22) Perform Favors

Seek ways to perform at least five favors every day.

For example, you might:

– Open a door for someone.

– Let someone go in front of you.

– Share important news.

And so on.

Of course, be appropriate, too.

For example, pulling that weedy plant from your neighbor’s lawn may remove an expensive flower she put there to attract birds.

So always ask people if they want your help when it involves their personal space and possessions.

Joyful living comes from helping others.

23) Acknowledge People

Recognize that our connections define us a members of humanity.

So acknowledge others. Smile when you pass them. Say, “Hello.”

Your simple acknowledgement of another may make a profound difference in their day.

We are all connected to each other.

24) Accept Kindness

Let others be kind to you.

If someone compliments your work, say, “Thank you.”

If someone thanks you for doing something, say, “My pleasure.” or “I’m glad to help.”

Kind replies encourage more kindness.

25) Respect Nature

We are an extension of the Natural World.

In turn, the state of our environment is a reflection of how we perceive ourselves.

So keep the outdoors clean by putting trash in trash cans.

Use natural resources carefully.

Minimize pollution. Recognize that we live on a finite planet. We don’t throw things away; we put them somewhere else.

If we want to have a future, we need to be kind to Nature.

You are as much a part of Nature as Nature is a part of you.

Show Kindness When Challenged

26) Forgive

We forgive for ourselves. Because carrying resentments is a form of self punishment.

There are three parts to forgiveness. You acknowledge:

a) “I understand how you could have done this.”

b) “I understand how I could have allowed you to do this.”

c) “I will never put myself in a position such that this could happen again.”

Notice that you forgive the person who hurt you and then forgive yourself for allowing them to hurt you. Finally, you protect yourself from being hurt in the future.

Forgiveness requires courageous kindness.

27) Stay Calm

We all encounter situations that upset us.

Let’s recognize that anger is a reaction to fear.

And anger is also a choice.

So before choosing your response, ask yourself: 1) What result do you want? 2) What actions will best achieve that result? and 3) Is it possible that you could have caused or misunderstood the situation?

Kindness leads to solutions.

Personal Note

Just like you, I have experienced life. This has appeared in all forms, from joyful to painful.

From this I learned that kindness is the key to joyful, successful living.

You must know that there are more than 27 ways to be kind.

Actually, there are as many ways to be kind as there are choices.

So ideally, kindness guides every part of your life. And then it defines your character, thereby becoming your legacy.

Admittedly, there are times when acting with kindness can take courage, discipline, and emotional maturity.

And it’s worth the effort.

That’s because you create two types of legacy. One is the memory that you leave with others. The second is the memory that you leave with yourself.

Through kindness, you leave a legacy that everyone, including you, will cherish.